In recent years, Grand Canyon weddings have gained an immense amount of popularity. The national park offers numerous indoor and outdoor regions for weddings and the receptions associated with these life-changing events. In order to exchange vows within the National Grand Canyon, you must first start by obtaining a marriage license for the State of Arizona. Immediately thereafter, you must get a Special Use Permit from the national park. Once you have completed these two steps, you must then arrange for a qualified individual to perform the ceremony. Options for these individuals include a Justice of the Peace, an ordained member of clergy, or a Municipal Judge. If you have an interest in being one of the many people that take part in Grand Canyon weddings this year, continue reading for valuable information that will assist in the endeavor.
Obtaining Your Marriage License
The first step to planning your wedding at the National Grand Canyon is obtaining your marriage license. You will need to have a legal form of identification that outlines your current residential address and your date of birth. It is also advised that you bring a copy of your certified birth certificate when applying for the license. There are no special tests required, nor is there a waiting period. Currently, the cost of this license in the State of Arizona is $76.00. The following outlines the various locations where most obtain their marriage license for Grand Canyon weddings:
- Courthouse in Williams, Arizona
- Courthouse in Page, Arizona
- Courthouse in Flagstaff, Arizona
- Courthouse in Fredonia, Arizona
Special Use Permit for the National Grand Canyon
Everyone who desires to have one of the many Grand Canyon weddings that take place in the national park each year must obtain a Special Use Permit for the event. The National Grand Canyon does charge a fee for this permit that is non-refundable. The national park creates the fee based on the costs associated with the recovery after the wedding. If you want to obtain this permit, you should contact the Grand Canyon National Park by calling the Concessions Management Office at: 928-638-7707.
Outdoor Locations for Grand Canyon Weddings
The inspiring and breathtaking viewpoints located throughout the national park make it a perfect backdrop for small Grand Canyon weddings. The natural setting and appeal provides couples with a memorable event that they will cherish forever. There are several outdoor locations that are considered to be ideal for Grand Canyon weddings. They are as follows:
- Pima Point
- Rim Worship Site
- Grandeur Point
- Shoshone Point
- Moran Point
- Lipan Point
- Cape Royal Amphitheater
- Point Imperial Viewpoint
Indoor Locations for Weddings at the National Grand Canyon
If you prefer to exchange vows indoors, there are a couple different locations you may choose from for your wedding. The first location is the Shrine of the Ages, located on the South Rim. This includes an auditorium that has 280 seats and a small room that holds approximately 60 people. The Grand Canyon region of the North Rim offers absolutely no indoor locations that are appropriate for Grand Canyon weddings. In addition to on-site locations, there are park lodges that will allow you to get married indoors. These include Xanterra Parks and Resorts and Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts.
Conclusion
Grand Canyon weddings are absolutely beautiful. Not only are you surrounded by a natural backdrop of exquisite beauty, but, are also surrounded by many amazing creatures that live in and around the National Grand Canyon. Once you have obtained your marriage license, your Special Use Permit, the individual that will perform the ceremony, and have determined a location for the special event, you should consider arriving to your special day in a helicopter. Not only will you get an aerial view of one of the most majestic locations on Earth, but, you will also observe the location where you will make a lifelong commitment to your significant other. Grand Canyon weddings provide lifelong memories that will be cherished in the hearts of all of those that attend and take part in the special event.
